Roast of Gene Simmons Canceled After Sexual Misconduct Allegations

A planned roast of Gene Simmons at the legendary Friars Club in New York City next year has been scrapped in light of recent allegations against the KISS co-founder. According to the New York Daily News, the cancellation came the same day (Dec. 18) that a female reporter from Australia’s Daily Telegraph said she walked out of an interview with Simmons in the '90s after his comments made her uncomfortable.

The rescinding of the invitation from the Friars Club is the latest in a series of incidents Simmons has faced in the past month. November saw him receive a lifetime ban from Fox News headquarters over his reported crude behavior. Then, late last week, it was revealed that he was being sued for sexual battery after making unwarranted sexual advances towards an unnamed radio and television broadcaster.

Simmons subsequently released a statement to Ultimate Classic Rock denying the sexual battery allegations in the lawsuit.

"I intend to defend myself against any alleged charges you may have been reading about in the media," he said. "For the record, I did not assault the person making these accusations in the manner alleged in the complaint or harm her in any way. I am conferring with my lawyers with the aim of vigorously countering these allegations. And, I look forward to my day in court where the evidence will prove my innocence."

In an ironic twist of fate, the Friars Club roast of Simmons was scheduled following the cancellation of one for Harvey Weinstein, the Hollywood producer who has been accused of multiple acts of sexual misconduct.